Love, Whitley Jean

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I'm a returned missionary from the Korea Seoul Mission.
I'm currently attending Brigham Young University in Idaho.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Hey, I've been HOME for four months...

I've been wanting to post ever since I've been home, and I am finally finding the time to do it.

I can't really put into words what it's been like coming home. For sure it's been so so amazing being with family and friends all over again. I got to spend a lot of time with Mema for a few months before coming up to Idaho for school again. I can't believe it's been four months. There literally hasn't been a day that goes by when I haven't thought about Korea and my mission. I miss it dearly. And I am just truly grateful to Heavenly Father for giving me that unique opportunity to embrace another culture and the people of Korea. I met some of the best over there, and they'll forever hold a special place in my heart.

The hardest part about adjusting for me is managing my time.....weird! I spent 18 months planning every single day, mastering priorities, and now...the struggle is real. In the last few months I've seen myself in a lot of different lights, and I guess I'm still figuring out who I am. It is so easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ as a missionary, living the gospel of Jesus Christ as someone not set apart, like a missionary, definitely is challenging. Kudos to those of you who are strong and faithful in living like you believe.

Through this "hard time" of mine, I've learned two very important things:

1. Satan will never quit tempting me

and

2. Heavenly Father will never ever give up on me

Because of these two things are complete opposite ends of the spectrum, it's up to me to exercise my agency and choose for myself which direction I am going to walk. The beautiful thing about this is, throughout my life, I've walked towards both (at different times of course). I've let Satan tempt me, and I've let Christ enlighten me. I know God has his arms out extended towards all of us, are we walking towards Him?

1 Nephi 31:20

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Saturday, February 22, 2014

I am not entirely sure what I did to the formatting on this blog but it looks like these letters are going to be in all sorts of different formats…. we are all over the place!! me + technology = STRUGGLES :)

Also, you may start to notice some of the emails are fairly short. Whitley has learn that some of the church members and/ or investigators have found this blog (which she loves and is pleased with) and has asked that I not share the personal experiences about any of the investigators thru the Internet. She would never intentionally hurt someones feelings and feels it is best to limit any and all conflicts that may arise. She loves the people in Korea, she loves the people she has the opportunity to teach, and she is so grateful to be serving there, the last thing she would want to do is offend them.

Advancing in Knowledge

January 5, 2014

"He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus refuses to be blessed. To know Him is 'life eternal', and to advance in the knowledge of Him is to increase in happiness. He who does not long to know more of Christ knows nothing of Him yet."

This morning I read this quote and it touched my heart.

I know that whoever chooses not to grow in the knowledge of Jesus is refusing to be blessed. I know that because during the duration of my mission, I have come to know my Savior, and though knowing him, I've received numerous blessings. I know that because I know Him, I can have 'life eternal', for He is, 'the bread of life'; it's one of His names. And because I have had this unique opportunity to be a missionary in Korea, I truly have increased in happiness. I've never been more happy in my life, than as a missionary, and I believe it's because I really am getting to know my Savior. If you don't long to know more of Christ, you know nothing of Him, yet. For, 'every knee shall bow and every tongue confess', because he is 'life eternal' he is never ending. So the knowledge that we can attain about him and from Him will/can also be never ending.

This week has been a roller coaster. A missionary's life isn't always on cloud nine. We have moments of weakness too, but we know how to overcome our many weaknesses through the Savior. This week in particular has been difficult and thrilling at the same time. An Elder that I've been serving with for the majority of my mission went home this week(not by choice). It took a huge toll on me and therefore my companion and my desire for missionary work. I could foresee what the destruction of his absence could bring, and I was determined to not let that happen. And through the tender mercies of my Lord and Savior, I have found peace, and my wounds have been healed. I am so grateful for my Savior. I know that He lives! I know that He is the way. I'm humbly grateful for the opportunity to wear his name one my chest every day.

I hope this New Year looks bright for all of you, and especially you will all realize that as you advance in knowledge of Christ, your life will truly be brightened. Even though it's only been a few days into our New Year, my companion and I are seeing blessings just pour upon us. We've found people to teach, and people for Elders to teach. And it's not because we are amazing, it's because we are letting Christ work through us. We've been blessed with the gift of tongues as we speak with people. We've learned how to make more Korean food (yes BJ, I'm excited too ;) haha). We've even had a few incidences in which we were slightly stalked/followed, and even spooked/hollered, yet we are still finding that our comfort and protection coming from Christ. He is the source of all that which is good. Of these things I know, I bear them in His name, even Jesus Christ, amen.

With all my love,

Whit Hunsaker Jamae

Where Do We Go?

January 12, 2014

Mom sent me a story that Gma Nelson sent her for Christmas and I want to share it because

it really touched my heart. So here it is:

I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.

One day I saw a sign that read "HEAVEN GROCERY STORE."

As I got a little closer the door came open wide,

and then next thing I know, I was standing inside.

I saw a host of Angels, they were standing everywhere.

One handed me a Basket and said, "My child, shop with care".

Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store,

and all you couldn't carry you could go back for more.

First I got some PATIENCE. LOVE was in the same row,

further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box of WISDOM, a big bag or two of FAITH,

and I just couldn't miss the HOLY SPIRIT, for it was all over the place.

I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run the race.

By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some GRACE.

I did not forget SALVATION, for salvation was free.

So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,

for I thought I had everything I needed to do my Master's will.

When I went up the aisle I saw PLAYER and I just had to put that in,

for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run dry into sin.

PEACE and JOY were plentiful. They were on the last shelf.

SONGS OF PRAISES were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?"

He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I smiled that him and said, "How much do I really owe?"

He smiled again and said, "My child, Jesus paid your bill along time ago."

-Author Unknown-

Even though "Christmas Time" is over, I know that any time is a time for Christ. And I really loved this because I can say that I know this is true. EVERYTHING we need in life, is given by Christ. Some say it's free, but if we understood this story we know that there are some things we have to do. The story didn't say that this person was handed all these things. They walked into the store, they were looking for the things they wanted/needed. How many times do the scriptures tell us, "seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened"...? We have to do the seeking. That's the price we pay. We put in our effort to find Him. Patience, Love, Understanding, Wisdom, Faith, Holy Spirit, Strength, Courage, Grace, Salvation, Prayer, Peace and Joy, and Songs of Praises what an amazing store :) I'm so grateful this gospel has all of this and more. I know here in the Gospel of Jesus of Christ, we will never hunger nor thirst, because He is the Bread and Water of life.

There has been many times in my life when I didn't know where to go, or what to do. Many of you that I'm contacting with back home are in this same place. It's like we are waiting for something...but what? Something to heal us. Something to make us happy. Something that will show us where to go, and what to do. That's the first step. You recognize that something isn't right. Something is missing. What is missing is Christ. He may be part of your lives, but how much of your life are you letting him be a part of? He shouldn't be just in some parts, HE should be our life!! Many of you ask me, "how are you so happy?" or "how do you have so much courage and faith?" or "how are you so sure?" Let me just share one scripture with you that'll sum it all up. Look in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." That is my answer today, that that will be my answer forever. Christ is always the way.

Remember Him, Turn to Him, ASK HIM, what it is that HE would have YOU do.

With all my love,

Whit Hunsaker Jamae

Pictures

January 19, 2014 8:00:43 PM PST

So I haven't sent pics in a few weeks!

This first one is me and Sister Ellis on New Years day...we climbed a mountain. Are we crazy? You already know that answer, YES! When I was in Sokcho, remember me telling ya'll about that? And I said I was never going to climb another mountain.....well I lied apparently. And I climbed one in the middle of WINTER!!! And to answer your questions, yes it was FREEZING, no I don't ever want to do it again ;) haha

Second one, the amazing view.

Third, Dad I thought you'd appreciate this snow carving. In Taebaek they have Snow Festival going on right now. All over the city are just huge snow carving. And it's just about the coolest thing. Anyway this one wasn't completely done, but I thought it was cool.

More snow carvings!

December is over.......how?!

I love Kim.

January 19, 2014 8:08:35 PM PST

Making Kim Bab! This is my all time FAVORITE Korean food, and I learned how to make it :)

And this is Kim! For those of you who don't know what Kim is, it's dried seaweed! And it's thee most delicious food in Korea. Haha my old investigator in Sokcho sent me a package with some food, and of course she included my favorite food.

Sorry I'm going crazy with pictures...ha last one I promise! :)(I think this picture was supposed to be sent with the first batch)

Oh The Joys!

January 19, 2014 8:45:58 PM PST

I just looked at my companion and said, "I don't even remember this week, I don't know what to write."

The last couple days have been long and cold. We've been working really hard in our area, planting a lot of seeds. Even though I've hit my "one year" mark, it's still rough waking up in the mornings...haha Dad, I guess you were right. Ya'll know that I've always loved my sleep though. Ever since I was a babe, clear up until being a college student, I always would fall asleep. Lately I feel like it's just as I lay down and close my eyes, the alarm goes off. This seems like a "I can't catch a break" letter, but my feeling is actually quite opposite. I am so grateful that I feel, as one of my leaders in the MTC put it, "dog whipped tired." Because that is the evidence that I'm working and doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

The past few weeks I feel like I've been more concerned for my investigators than I ever have in my entire mission. I just feel this huge sense of urgency to teach them the truth, and for them to accept and apply what we are teaching. I'm not sure why I haven't felt this as strongly as I feel it now. But I'm just trying to figure out my own emotions as a missionary. - Whitley went on to explain a few things about a few of her investigators -

I don't know if the other missionaries out there feel the same way I do...but I just feel like I understand, know, and feel this gospel is true...I'm just having a hard time teaching it. It's frustrating. I said to my companion, "I don't know how to teach it, I just know it's true." Oh, the joys and blessings of being a missionary :) I'm so grateful for this hardship, because I know that because of this trial, I will be able to be a better teacher for my children.

I love my life as a missionary.

With all my love,

Whit Hunsaker Jamae

Words.

January 26, 2014 9:34:04 PM PST

As I sit here reading all the emails from ya'll...I'm disturbed my the words of others that surround me. Young teens here learn English swear words and say them like it's nothing. But I understand because when I learn Korean, it doesn't really mean anything to me, until my heart and mind are connected to the word. Maybe the same goes for these kids around me, [maybe] they have absolutely no connection to the words they are saying.

So why is it that words have such an impact on us?

I was asked this question a few weeks back. Since then, I've often wondered what it is about words that have such a huge impact on our lives.

In this letter Whit mentions a milestone with one of the investigators are says this:"I've seen the spirit work within her, and it's amazing to see her grow. (Seriously is this what parenting feels like?)"

As for my other investigators, we couldn't meet the one who likes beer this week. She cancelled on us like 2 hours before our lesson. But within the minute of her cancelling, the Relief Society President called me and asked me to meet her at the church to meet a Less Active. So we did! :) and this Less Active came to church this Sunday too! :) That was a very special lesson I learned~ missionary work TRULY is done SO MUCH BETTER when a MEMBER is INVOLVED and when the MEMBER is the one who INVITES THE MISSIONARIES, not the other way around. The lesson we had with this Less Active woman would have NEVER worked had it just been us trying to coordinate it all. It was amazing. And that's something I will carry with me forever. Missionaries:After you return home from your mission, be the member you wanted on your mission.

Whitely also went on to share a story about her very dear friend in the hospital. In the middle of the update she said this: An Elder shared a scripture with him and I felt prompted to sing, I Am A Child Of God. Whitley asked her friend if they cold sing and he said yes. I sang the first line solo to start us off, and he just looked at me and then he began to smile. All the missionaries joined in with me, and when everyone joined in, HE BEGAN TO SING WITH US! The spirit filled my heart as we sang together. Her friend is/was expected to be transferred so she was not sure when/if she would get to see him again.

Words. They are so important to us. And some words I hope we can all remember is, "I am a child of God".

With all my love!

Whit Hunsaker Jamae

Pics

January 26, 2014 9:55:28 PM PST

This is Brother Bak and Elder Jang in the kitchen doing the dishes :)

And this is one set of Elders I'm serving with. Elder Jang and Elder Hone actually go home the same time that I do. I've really loved serving with them! :)

Haha oh so this third picture....remember I said I went to the snow festival? We were walking past this sign and Sister Ellis said, "Hey, look Sister Hunsaker! It's you!" So I came back and took a picture with it....and every Korean really thinks that girl on the poster thing is me :)

It was Elder Fronk's Birthday so we went and "heart attacked" him and gave him some Korean snacks! :)

Monday, February 17, 2014

Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and re-commitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties.

I wanted to open by sharing this because I think it's so easy to get caught into the shopping crowds buying gifts, stringing the lights, and preparing for the parties. Course all those things are fun, and they add the icing to the cake. But the real meaning isn't about the lights, gifts or parties, it is about remembering our Savior. Without him, there would be no reason for this season. I know (hope) each of you can catch a glimpse of what I'm trying to say. If we all look inside our hearts, we can feel there is this deeper meaning around this time of year. This is when we count our blessings. We are surrounded by our loved ones. And when we look around, who is it that surrounds us? Family. Well, hopefully, it's family. Why? Because family is the most important. God gave us our families, and we are all part of His Family. Being a missionary the past year, I've truly been able to feel the meaning to the words, "He is our Eternal Father." Literally we are his children. And Christ is our brother. How blessed are we? It's my hope and prayer that we spend more time with loved ones, spend more time counting our blessings, and spend more time thinking about Christ. For He truly is the reason for the season.

I know there isn't anything else I'd rather be doing this time of year than serving as a full time missionary for Him. This past transfer, I've really learned what it means to lose yourself in the service of others. And I'll just tell you that it's so true, that when we serve others we truly are serving Him. As I've been able to serve him, I forget about me. All of my doubts/insecurities/worries flee, and I'm completely wrapped up in the love of God. I can't express my gratitude in words, but I am forever grateful to be His missionary.

My friend in the hospital is improving! When I did exchanges this week we were able to go and visit him. It was another bitter sweet moment. He was able to sit up a little better and he could move is left arm around. He was quicker at recognizing things. He spoke more clearly, but he's not quite speaking in full sentences. But his "okay" responses are pretty solid. Sister Ellis and I were able to meet up with Sister Song and her companion. It's been awfully cold here (but I hear UT is a LOT colder than here), so when I walked in and held his hand, Brother S. was able to warm my hands very quickly. I think he was grateful to see us. But I could sense some sorrow and emptiness and wonder in his eyes. Like last time, I tried to stay positive for him. There were a few moments that touched my heart, but I only have time to share one: - Whit went on to explain o a very touching experience she had with her dear friend. I have removed this information upon request from Whit and for the privacy of her friend. - More happened but I don't have time to share. He is progressing though! I am amazed by how well he is doing. Thank you for all the prayers in his behalf. Even though I've never asked for them, you all have been so gracious and have replied to me that you are praying, so thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

I love Koreans, and I couldn't ask for a better people to be serving. Just like Brother S, I hope you all remember that God loves you. HE NEVER EVER LEAVES US. I don't know the meaning of all things (or all hard times/trials) but I do believe and trust that God has his divine purposes in all of our lives. And we will all be a lot better off, if we could just learn to trust Him. I know when we cry or when we are having a hard time, God aches in the same why we do, like I did when Bro. S in his midst of despair cried out for help. Turn to God. Cry to Him. He will hear your cry, and he will send something or someone to comfort you. I beg you all, just trust him more fully.

Stay safe and bundled :)

xxo

Whit Hunsaker Jamae

If only missionaries could have pets! :)

Guess Santa does exist ;)

Thanks for ALL the gifts mom! And for sending one to my companion, you have a heart of GOLD

!

There's a ford truck in Korea.....................I was speachless!

Sister Harper and I on exchanges. Mom, I wrote you a letter about her a while ago, but let me just remind you that this girl is amazing. I love her, so much! I know I throw the love word around a lot, but seriously, this girl is epic. I love her! Somehow I'm going to convince my president to let us serve together after I'm done training Sis Ellis!

And this little town is called DouGeay (spelling? it's hard to spell korean words in english) but this town is in my area. We had to take a bus or train about 20 minutes to get here. And there is like no one there. This is how I thought Korea would be. And I'm grateful it is a lot more developed than this. but this town was sweet! We got 4 contacts in the 3 hours we were there! :)

some old random pics i thought you'd like to see!

the first one i'm eating my favorite soup!

second and third was our hike to the top of a mountain in sokcho,

remember i wrote home about that. anyway, here they are.

December 22, 2013

Merry Christmas

"Our faith must not be difficult to detect."

-President Reuben J. Clark

What is faith? Is it different than wishing? Yes. Of course it is. Faith is believing in something that you can't see. When we have faith, there is hope. Hope is something that could happen, wishing is something that most likely NEVER will happen. When we hope, we become more Christ-like, for hope is one of his attributes. Sometimes we lose hope, I've been there a time or two myself. Christmas time seems like the hopeful time of year, at least for me. And I know our hope can turn into faith, if we just believe.

This week, yet again, I got to visit my friend (Bro. S) in the hospital. He is still improving, and it makes my heart just leap for joy! Sister Harper and I got to do exchanges, so we met up in her area, and before we left to go back to my area, we went to the hospital. I'm so grateful for all the chances I've gotten to go and see Brother S. As we were visiting with him, he started crying, again. He turned his head away from me and just began to weep. I leaned over his bed and whipped his tears and asked him why he was crying, he replied, "I don't know". I told him, "It's okay to cry. Sometimes we just need to. Mom says it's good for the soul (even though you prob don't say that mema)." And then he chuckled a little. - Whit went on to explain o a very touching experience she had with her dear friend. I have removed this information upon request from Whit and for the privacy of her friend. - Whit went on to explain to tell of us some information she learned about her dear friend experience. I have removed this information upon request from Whit and for the privacy of her friend. -

So my spiritual thought, if you will, is: be hopeful, and realistic. We all hope for things. Right now my hopes as a missionary is that people will receive the word of God. I hope that people will soften their hearts. I hope that people will pray to the God that gave them life. I hope that we can all live in peace and love one another. I hope that I don't freeze to death as I walk the streets of Taebaek. I hope that I will live with my family forever. I hope you all have a very Merry Chirstmas......oh and I wish I marry Zac Effron :)

Being a missionary is great.

I'll be missing all of you~ but there is no where else I'd rather be than here in Korea during Christmas.

Stay safe, stay bundled, and stay hopeful!

Whit Hunsaker Jaemae

December 29, 2013

Happy New Year!

Koreans don't celebrate Christmas much, or the New Year. They go off the Chinese calendar, so we'll be celebrating the New Year at the end of January. But hey to all ya'll in non-Chinese calendar based countries, Happy New Year!

So calling home was just about the best gift, eh? I'm so grateful I got to talk with all of you, especially because Brady and Mark weren't in Vegas with ya'll. Zo sent pics and everything just looks the same. Ya'll sound the same and just everything! I told Dad that I'm looking forward to that familiarity when I get back in about 5 months. HOLY COW, 5 MONTHS! Whaaaaaaaaat.

Since I already told you about my Christmas on the phone I don't really have much to say. But yesterday was a fun day. We spent a lot of time knocking doors. It's always fun doing that, you get some funny responses. I wish I could have a camera with me when I'm doing it, it could make some pretty hilarious "America's Funniest Home Videos", but maybe we'd have to change the name for obvious reasons. Anyway we gave out a lot of Books of Mormon. And I took the idea Hermana Whitney was doing with her district, in tying the red ribbon around it.

-- -- Whit shared experiences with teaching the gospel to some people she met.

She has asked that I not share the personal experiences on her blog for the privacy

of the investigators. -- --

The longer I'm here on a mission, the better I am.

I've loved this journey of learning Korean, although it's my weakness, I know God can strenghten me if I will just turn to him.

I love you all!!!

xxo

Whit Hunsaker Jamae

Pictures~

Me and President's wife

Christmas Eve~ sleep over in the Temple in my Christmas pjs :) and these are a few sisters in my zone, Sister Song, Sister Dorman, Sister Evans, and Sister Harper.

Doing a selfy with Elder Kafausi ;)

So there's a little park here in Taebaek, and it's all lit up. There's a bunch of random things, like unicorns, and starts and hearts and angel wings. Mom, you know I think of you every time I pass by those flamingos! Haha, so happy new year from Taebaek!